Netanyahu to address U.N. as Israel faces growing isolation over its assault on Gaza
Share and Follow

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will make his case to the world on Friday, addressing an international community from which his country faces mounting pressure and isolation over its devastating assault on Gaza.

Netanyahu took an unusual route to his annual speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, his flight path appearing to avoid countries that could enforce an international arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Gaza.

He is also expected to meet with President Donald Trump, who on Thursday said he would not allow the close U.S. ally to annex the already occupied West Bank in retaliation for the wave of countries that have recognized a Palestinian state.

Palestinians continue to flee southern Gaza due to Israeli attacks
Palestinians flee south on Thursday, amid Israel’s intensified attacks on the Gaza Strip.Ali Jadallah / Anadolu via Getty Images

Netanyahu said he planned to “speak our truth — the truth about the citizens of Israel, the truth about our IDF soldiers and the truth about our country,” The Times of Israel reported.

He said he also planned to “denounce” the growing list of Western countries that have officially recognized Palestine as a state in response to his intensifying military campaign.

Israeli forces have ramped up their assault on famine-stricken Gaza City, forcing the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people while others stay put under near-daily deadly strikes.

TOPSHOT-ISRAEL-PALESTINIAN-CONFLICT
Israeli soldiers work on a self-propelled artillery Howitzer at the border with Gaza.Jack Guez / AFP via Getty Images
TOPSHOT-PALESTINIAN-ISRAEL-CONFLICT-EDUCATION-SCHOOL
An Israeli soldier watches as Palestinian schoolgirls make their way to school in Hebron, in the occupied West Bank, on Sept. 8.Hazek Bader / AFP via Getty Images

It also comes after Trump issued a firm warning that he would not allow the Israeli leader’s government to annex the West Bank if it tried to push ahead with a plan that would draw new global outrage.

“I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. No, I will not allow it. It’s not going to happen,” Trump told reporters, having earlier privately assured Arab leaders on the subject.

Asked whether he had discussed the issue with Netanyahu, Trump said, “Whether I spoke to him or not, I did, but I’m not allowing Israel to annex the West Bank.”

“There’s been enough. It’s time to stop now,” he said.

Trump issued the rare admonishment after far-right members of Netanyahu’s fragile government coalition called for the move.

Palestinians envision the West Bank as a key territory for an internationally recognized Palestinian state, alongside Gaza and east Jerusalem. Annexation of the territory, which has been occupied by Israel since 1967, would further imperil that cause.

Trump also presented his 21-point plan for peace to Arab leaders, with his special envoy Steve Witkoff saying the meeting was “productive” and that a breakthrough could be imminent.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was also among the leaders to address UNGA, though he was forced to deliver his address by video after the U.S. last month revoked his visa, along with those of other Palestinian Authority officials.

Israel's attacks on Gaza continue
Palestinians recover the body of a child under the rubble, following Israel’s attacks on the Shati Refugee Camp, west of Gaza City on Friday.Khames Alrefi / Anadolu via Getty Images

In his video address, Abbas said Palestinians in Gaza “have been facing a war of genocide, destruction, starvation and displacement” by Israel, adding that “despite all what our people have suffered, we reject what Hamas carried out on the 7th of October.”

Abbas said Hamas would have “no role to play in governance” in the future he envisioned for Gaza.

That future is at stake in peace talks, and Netanyahu will address world leaders while under pressure not just from his closest ally and his ministers but from the families of hostages still held in Gaza.

The Israeli leader has thus far defied their protests calling for him to strike a deal to end the war and free their loved ones.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Delayed Autopsy Results in Celeste Rivas Hernandez Case Raise Questions and Concerns

Almost two months have passed since the discovery of Lake Elsinore teenager…
Blood medication recall: FDA says Teva Pharmaceuticals USA recalled prazosin hydrochloride over cancer-causing chemical concern

Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Recalls Prazosin Hydrochloride Due to Potential Cancer Risk: FDA Issues Urgent Alert

Saturday, November 1, 2025 2:42PM The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says…
Unknown object crash near Area 51 fuels cover-up claims

Unidentified Crash Near Area 51 Sparks New Wave of Cover-Up Theories

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — An enigmatic object recently plummeted from the sky…
Illinois SNAP benefits November halt: Paying It Forward founder determined to provide free food despite her own struggles

Despite Personal Challenges, ‘Paying It Forward’ Founder Committed to Providing Free Food as Illinois SNAP Benefits Pause in November

In East Chicago, Indiana, the latest Paying It Forward community meal at…
Why was Lil Wayne missing from Cash Money vs. No Limit Records Verzuz battle

The Real Reason Lil Wayne Skipped the Cash Money vs. No Limit Verzuz Showdown

The recent Verzuz rap battle spotlighted two iconic hip-hop labels: Cash Money…
Lynwood boy killed: Parents, grandmother charged after 8-year-old Isaiah H. found dead in cooler in Lynwood, California

Tragic Discovery: Lynwood Family Faces Charges After 8-Year-Old Isaiah Found Deceased in Cooler

In Lynwood, California, a grim discovery has led to serious charges against…
Travis Kelce's ex accused of shading NFL star with Halloween outfit

Did Travis Kelce’s Ex Subtly Troll the NFL Star with Her Halloween Costume? Discover the Buzz!

Speculation is swirling among fans that Travis Kelce’s former girlfriend may have…
Melodee Buzzard disappearance: New surveillance photos show missing California girl, 9, in possible disguise

FBI Intensifies Search for Missing 9-Year-Old Melodee Buzzard: New Warrants Executed in Critical Investigation

In California, the FBI and local sheriff’s office carried out several search…